Patented by Gilbert Smith of New York, approximately 30,000 of
these carbines were manufactured for United States military
service. Single-shot, they are loaded by depressing a latch
directly in front of the trigger, which releases their barrel so
that it pivots downward to present its open breech. A brass
cartridge containing powder and ball could then be inserted.
Carbines were used mostly by mounted troops, and were equipped with
a sling swivel that was mounted on the left side of the breech.
This .50 caliber percussion carbine was a standard for its time.
Nevertheless, the Civil War would bring new standards to all U.S.
armament. The evolution of firearms is strongly affected by war,
which brings many new technological innovations. The Civil War was
no exception.